WGC-HSBC Champions Round 3: Snedeker Posts 12-Under 60

Brandt Snedeker was on fire today at Mission Hills GC in China. After a mediocre one-under start to the tournament through the first two rounds, Brandt posted a 12-under 60 in round three early Saturday morning. The round was good enough for the course record.

His round featured 10 birdies, an eagle, seven pars, and no blemishes on the scorecard.

This is the best round we have seen thus far in the tournament.

He capped off a six-under 30 front nine with an identical score on the back.

This guy has just been sensational this year. The FedEx Cup champion has all of the clubs in the bag working for him. He is one of the most accurate ball strikers on tour, as well as one of the most consistent with the short stick.

He is my early prediction to make a run at a major next season. I am thoroughly impressed with his temperament on the course and his confidence.

Currently, he trails Lee Westwood by five strokes as he sits at 13-under par. Westwood birdied 11 holes today with no bogeys on the card. He had a legitimate shot to tie the course record set by Snedeker but was unable to sink an 18-foot putt for birdie on the finishing hole.

Other notable rounds from Saturday include a 63 from Gaganjeet Bhullar and a 65 from Mark Leishman.

Golfers seem to be loving this course. We haven't seen many rounds over par today. The worst round came from fellow Japanese golfer Yuta Ikeda, a 10-over par 82.

Brandt is going to need a repeat performance in the final round if he wants to have any chance at adding another trophy to his 2012 success.